‘Kill a Watt’ helps save money

January 13, 2013

CARROLLTON - Carroll Electric Cooperative Inc. is introducing a new device called a "Kill a Watt EZ Monitoring Meter" to help members and nonmembers identify which of their appliances are using the most electricity and where they can save money by cutting usage.

Community members can begin checking out these devices at participating local libraries in and around the cooperative's service territory. They are available at the Puskarich Public Library Scio branch and the Tuscarawas County Public Library Tuscarawas branch.

"Being aware of how your home uses energy is key to reducing usage and costs," Larry Fenbers, CEO/general manager, said. "We are excited that local libraries have agreed to accept the donation of these devices and help us assist community members in making more informed decisions about energy savings."

Carroll Electric has had a Kill a Watt rental program in place for two years, but the program has been limited to cooperative members. As the price of electricity is projected to increase, the cooperative saw a need to help all community members understand their electric usage habits and help control their costs, it was noted.

The Kill a Watt meter allows individuals to test appliances like electric space heaters, refrigerators and even game consoles to see how much these appliances and electronic devices affect their monthly electric bill, according to Fenbers.

Carroll Electric has donated several of the devices to libraries throughout the cooperative service territory and they are now the property of the libraries and follow their individual guidelines for loan periods. Contact a local participating library to check loan periods and restrictions. You must have a valid library card in order to borrow a "Kill a Watt" device through this program.

Also, Carroll Electric members may continue to borrow a "Kill a Watt" device from the cooperative office. Carroll Electric members are not required to hold a library card to borrow the device directly from the cooperative office.

The device plugs into a wall outlet and then the user plugs an appliance or electronic into the device. It then monitors how much electricity the appliance is using and displays the result on a small screen.

For information, call (800) 232-7697 or go online at www.cecpower.coop.